Bike Park Coming to Marin County, CA

The Stafford Lake Bike Park, approved several years ago by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, will begin construction this spring, thanks in part to the Friends of Stafford Lake Bike Park. Marin County Parks and Open Space has designated 17 acres for a bike park within its Stafford Lake County Park in Novato, CA. It is intended to provide a bicycle riding area for the public designed for riders of all ages and skill levels, beginner through expert. The facility is designed to promote a community of learning and advancement while providing safe, fun and exciting bike riding experiences.

Marin County Parks has agreed to construct the project in two phases. Phase I will include parking, bathrooms and entry plaza facilities and, most importantly, various pump tracks, A-lines, skill progression zones and a dual slalom course. Phase II will complete the park and include a gravity zone, an advanced pump track, a terrain park and an observed trials course.

The park is being developed through a public-private partnership, the first of its kind in Marin County. Local companies such as Mike’s Bikes, WTB, Clif Bar, RAB Motors and Lagunitas have join forces to make the park come alive. Two local family foundations have also contribute funds to the park for its construction. In addition, there are several other large bike companies tee’d up to ensure success in Phase I.

Phase II will begin in the Spring of 2015. Additional funds are still needed for this Phase II. The Friends of Stafford Lake Bike Park were recently selected as one of the twelve finalists for the Bell Build Grant sponsored by IMBA.

The project began with the development of a Feasibility Study in 2010, which was accepted by the Marin County Parks and Open Space Commission on October 20, 2010. On November 30, 2010 the Marin County Board of Supervisors also approved the Feasibility Study and the allocation of funds for Marin County Parks to move forward with the master planning phase.

Master Planning

Neighbors, local riders, businesses and interested community members were invited to attend one of five Community Design Workshops to learn more about the project and share their design ideas. After the Master Plan for the bike park was approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors on November 15, 2011, the development of construction drawings, permitting and environmental compliance was initiated.

Permitting

Marin County Parks will comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and obtain any local, county and regional permits that pertain to this type of project. The Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted the CEQA Initial Study on November 15, 2011 and the project is currently obtaining required permits.

Feasibility Study

The project began with the development of a Feasibility Study in 2010, which was accepted by the Marin County Parks and Open Space Commission on October 20, 2010. On November 30, 2010 the Marin County Board of Supervisors also approved the Feasibility Study and the allocation of funds for Marin County Parks to move forward with the master planning phase.

Master Planning

Neighbors, local riders, businesses and interested community members were invited to attend one of five Community Design Workshops to learn more about the project and share their design ideas. After the Master Plan for the bike park was approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors on November 15, 2011, the development of construction drawings, permitting and environmental compliance was initiated.

Permitting

Marin County Parks will comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and obtain any local, county and regional permits that pertain to this type of project. The Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted the CEQA Initial Study on November 15, 2011 and the project is currently obtaining required permits.

Ongoing Maintenance and Operations

The park will require ongoing and consistent maintenance to ensure the park remains in good condition and continues to satisfy it’s risk management guidelines. It is anticipated these operations will be managed by Marin County Parks with a combination of paid maintenance staff as well as volunteers.

Special Event Permitting

The bike park will be available as a venue for programming and special events such as skills clinics, camps, instruction and training programs, competitions, bike demos, races, festivals, etc. A permit will be required for such activities.

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The guidance on this website, and in other IMBA documents, is for reference only and should not be interpreted as a standard, specification or regulation.Mountain biking is inherently risky and could result in injury or death.